Tulum Hotels Set New Standards with Social and Environmental Certifications

TULUM, Quintana Roo – Seven hotels in Quintana Roo have successfully obtained certifications and distinctions, recognizing them as comprehensive and socially responsible organizations. This remarkable achievement highlights the commitment of these establishments towards sustainable practices and their dedication to environmental stewardship. Alexis de Aldecoa Morales, a representative of the renowned agency Eukariota, emphasized the significance of these certifications and their expanding scope.

Notably, the certifications awarded are not limited to social responsibility and waste management. They now encompass specific areas such as water management, both on an individual and organizational level. For instance, a general distinction, known as the Social Responsibility Certification, requires compliance with ten essential criteria.

Eukariota’s approach involves granting certifications or distinctions for each of these ten criteria, thus recognizing establishments that successfully meet the indicators for individual certifications. The various certifications include responsible solid waste management, responsible water management, energy efficiency, civil protection, environmental risk prevention, marketing and communication of responsibility, community engagement and involvement, corporate governance, nature protection and conservation, as well as equality, inclusion, training, and personnel development.

Achieving all ten criteria grants an establishment the Comprehensive Social Responsibility Certificate. Additionally, there are two additional certificates created by Eukariota. The first is the Recycling Show Certification, designed for events and festivals, which ensures the responsible management of waste and the maintenance of cleanliness in these venues.

Furthermore, there is the Sustainable Travel Platform Certification, awarded to hotels that fulfill five out of the ten aforementioned criteria. Platforms such as Booking, Expedia, and Google require these criteria to label hotels as eco-friendly destinations. Eukariota aims to incentivize and distinguish companies that adopt eco-friendly and socially responsible practices. Studies indicate that post-pandemic travelers are increasingly seeking sustainable travel options, prompting these platforms to identify and highlight hotels with ecological distinctions.

Among the hotels that have already obtained certifications are Centro Holístico Akalkí, Ahau, Kanan, Alaya, Villa Pescadores, Casa Ganesh, and Delek. Hotels currently in the process of obtaining certifications include Radhoo, La Valise, Encantada, and Nest. Several establishments, such as Hotel Ikal, The Reef Playacar, The Reef Coco Beach, The Reef 28, Hotel Motto, Plaza Hunab, and Restaurant Mia, are undergoing training to meet the certification requirements.

Alexis de Aldecoa Morales reiterated that Eukariota is a quintessential Quintana Roo certifying agency, whose program has shown remarkable progress and growth, encompassing the municipalities of Tulum, Solidaridad, and Bacalar.

With these certifications, Quintana Roo’s hotels are leading the way in responsible and sustainable practices, setting a positive example for the industry. Travelers can now make informed choices and contribute to a greener future while enjoying the beauty and hospitality of this remarkable region.